Search Articles

Budapest: Hidden Treasure Chest

February 12, 2016

Despite having never visited the city, George Ezra’s huge 2013 single named after Budapest made its way firmly into the UK Top 10 singles and might have sparked the imagination of a whole new generation to want to visit this beautiful place. With more than 4 million visitors annually, you might be like us and feeling serious FOMO (fear of missing out)!

Dating back to 1873, the city was formed out of the unification of Obuda, Buda and Pest, following the build of the Chain Bridge to join hilly Buda with the flatland of Pest. Separated by the River Danube, many tourists take to the water to see the sights of both sides of Budapest during a Danube boat tour. We recommend checking this out at night as the lights beautifully illuminate the early 20th century buildings lining each side of the river.

Of the sights you might see during your city break, the Hungarian Parliament Building casts a striking figure over the river. Its Gothic style is sure to be something you’ll want to capture in the holiday pictures to take home and show off. As one of the tallest buildings in the city, it’s difficult to put this down to chance. The Parliament houses reach 96m which is a key number in the country’s history with the city celebrating its millennium birthday in 1896. Similarly, St. Stephen’s Basilica is also the same height, and we can probably put this down to the same significant reason! The beautiful church is named after the first king of Hungary, St. Stephen. Born and receiving his coronation in Esztegorm, this northern Hungary city was actually once the capital until 1241.

While you’re touring the city, a must-see is Hosok tere, or Heroes Square. With a number of memorials and statues, it’s hard not to draw similarities between similar sights in both Paris and London but we assure you they can’t be compared! For spectacular views over Budapest during your city break, we recommend heading up to Fisherman’s Bstion on Castle Hill on Buda which overlooks the Danube and has its own stunning towers to admire!

Budget flights depart daily from London, Bristol, Manchester & Dublin to the city, with flight times of around 2hrs30mins. Within the city, you can use the underground train to get around – the second oldest in Europe after our very own wonderful London Underground Tubes! Our Budapest city break package includes 3 nights in 4* hotel with breakfasts, arrival Budapest airport transfer & 1 city tour. Prices start from €232EURpp.